#belarius

[artemlegere]

Imogen Found in the Cave of Belarius

Artist: George Dawe (English, 1781-1829)

Date: Exhibited in 1809

Medium: Oil on canvas

Collection: Tate Britain, London, United Kingdom

Description

George Dawe depicts a scene from Shakespeare’s play Cymbeline. Imogen – the heroine and daughter of Cymbeline, the ancient king of Britain – escapes court and disguises herself as a young man. Here, Dawe shows the moment when the character Belarius (left) and Imogen’s two long-lost brothers (right) discover her in a cave. They believe she is dead, but she has actually just drunk a sleeping potion. Dawe mainly painted portraits, but here ventures into ‘history painting’ (images of biblical, mythological, literary or historical subjects). This was regarded as the highest genre of painting at the time and indicates Dawe’s ambitions as an artist. With its high-minded literary theme and dramatic lighting, this painting was meant to stand out when it was first exhibited at the British Institution in 1809.

[fidelesir]

Where do I find the wild Cymbeline fans?

Can we talk about what an epic multifaceted heroine Innogen/Imogen is?

Can we talk about Posthumus, masculinity, the agony of redemption, and the fact that finally someone in Shakespeare realizes OUT LOUD that a woman's life is worth more than just her chastity?

Do we think Iachimo has ever had half the seductive power he thinks he has?

Does anyone else get emotional about Belarius or is that just me?

How about a grieving king who takes on a horribly inadequate substitute for his lost children and looks right past that substitute's obvious faults, thereby jeopardizing his relationship with his only remaining child?

Doesn't Pisanio deserve so much better?

I want to talk. Hit me up if you have Thoughts.

[pandaemoniumpancakes]

Not too hot: First pay me for the nursing of thy sons; And let it be confiscate all, so soon As I have received it.

William Shakespeare, Belarius from act V, scene 5 in Cymbeline.

[the-papersmith]

“We’re looking for Lannik,” The room went silent, all eyes on them.

“Are you, now?” A tall, burly fellow spoke up, his single-eyed gaze unwavering. “Why?”

“It seems we’ve stumbled upon a rather... difficult spell that may be of interest to a magician of his caliber,” Briar spoke carefully, but remained relaxed.

“Hm. That’s very vague,” He narrowed his eyes, trying to judge how dangerous the three might be.

“I don’t know if you would understand the particulars, water child,” Briar faced him directly, determining precisely what he was. His expression of surprise was subtle, but Andria picked up on it.

“...I’m not saying he’s here, but if he is, then I’ll have word on whether he’ll see you or not in a minute,” He nodded, going for the door.

[clan-of-reaching-stars]

She makes cute cupcakes but might also be a killer and the Clan’s kind of afraid to ask.

[journeyintowriting]

Daily Shakespeare

Belarius: Weariness Can snore upon the flint when resty sloth Finds the down pillow hard.

Cymbeline Act 3, Scene 6

[robinsonaden]

All solemn things should answer solemn accidents.

Cymbeline IV.2

[straightupstellar-blog]

★Original Art by StraightUpStellar Permission to reblog is granted by the artist Do NOT repost/remove credit